Dubai is a very modern city, especially its architect;
however, the country is still a Muslim country and it is always really
important to know the basics of wrong and right in each local custom. This is
mainly important so you as a tourist do not insult anyone and also this is
important that you as a tourist do not have the misconception that there are no
restrictions. I will be listing the basic
facts about the culture in bullet points to make it easier to read.
Clothing
- I think many would be surprised to hear that there are mosques located everywhere in the state and just like many other Middle Eastern countries prayer is recited five times throughout the day.
- There is no dress etiquette for women because the city is so widely diverse that you will see women in burkas, hijabs, western clothing, minimal clothing or nothing.
- When at beach can wear shorts and women can wear bikinis but away from the beach appropriate shirts, blouses, mid-lengths, and anything that prevents to much skin show is deemed appropriate.
- Formal clothing for men is called the dishdasha ( a long white fabric), a gurta ( red checkered head dress), and an agal (black cord to hold headdress down).
- Formal clothing for women is the abaya (a long black robe) and this is a custom not so much a dressing restriction.
(Typical Tourist Outfit)
(Do not go doing that!)
- Do not shake hands with the opposite sex! Wait for the other individual to extend hand first.
- Ask local before you go taking their pictures because it is disrespectful to take pictures of the opposite sex, especially to women.
- Keep an open mind about interactions between the same sexes. Men kiss each other on the cheek during greetings and some even hold hands
- If you are invited to someone’s house: take off your shoes, make sure the soles of your feet are down (keep feet flat on the ground), gesture with whole hand meaning that you should not be pointing at anything ,and only take food with the right hand because it is considered to be pure.
- During the month of Ramadan Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke in public. In order to show respect, no one in the state really eats, drinks, or smokes in public.
- For those young folks, do not drink and drive because Dubai has a zero tolerance policy. Also save yourself from being drunk in public, you could get fined.
dubai.ae
